Journey to the Sunnyside | Mindful Drinking & Alcohol Health

In this episode, I sit down with Ian Andersen, cofounder of Sunnyside, to unpack a question that’s more common than you think: “Do I deserve to drink?” We talk openly about our own experiences — how alcohol became tied to celebration, stress relief, even a sense of identity — and why that mindset can be both comforting and dangerous. We explore what it really means to earn a drink, how to recognize the deeper beliefs behind it, and how to shift the narrative if it’s no longer serving you.

Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://ctbk.co/4doo5dq for a free 15-day trial.
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Listen to Journey to the Sunnyside Podcast: https://bit.ly/4bxCqT3
Subscribe to Sunnyside’s YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3zuoID4

RELATED ARTICLES FROM THE SUNNYSIDE BLOG:

ABOUT SUNNYSIDE: Sunnyside is the #1 alcohol moderation app that helps you drink less without any shame, guilt, or pressure to quit. Optimize your alcohol habits to achieve benefits like sleeping better, losing weight, feeling more energy, and saving money. We know that an all-or-nothing approach doesn’t work for everyone, so we focus on helping you set your own goals, celebrate small wins, and build a lasting system of accountability. As a result, 96.7% of our members see a big drop in their drinking after 90 days.

Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended as medical advice, and the views of the guests may not represent the views of Sunnyside. If you’re concerned about your health or alcohol use, please consider seeking advice from a doctor.

Cutting back on alcohol can feel like the right move—until boredom hits. Suddenly, that space where drinking used to live feels…empty. But here’s the truth: boredom isn’t a problem. It’s a signal that your brain is ready for something new. In this episode of Journey to the Sunnyside, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down how alcohol fills more than time—it fills gaps like stress, transition, connection, and reward. So when you take it out, you’ve got to replace the ingredient, not just the habit. Mike shares 10 creative, neuroscience-backed ways to transform boredom into a spark for change—without cheesy advice or shame. Whether it’s building a new ritual, spending your “reward money,” or simply rewiring with better sleep, this episode will help you see boredom not as the enemy—but as the beginning of something better.

Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://ctbk.co/4doo5dq for a free 15-day trial.
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Listen to Journey to the Sunnyside Podcast: https://bit.ly/4bxCqT3
Subscribe to Sunnyside’s YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3zuoID4

RELATED ARTICLES FROM THE SUNNYSIDE BLOG:

ABOUT SUNNYSIDE: Sunnyside is the #1 alcohol moderation app that helps you drink less without any shame, guilt, or pressure to quit. Optimize your alcohol habits to achieve benefits like sleeping better, losing weight, feeling more energy, and saving money. We know that an all-or-nothing approach doesn’t work for everyone, so we focus on helping you set your own goals, celebrate small wins, and build a lasting system of accountability. As a result, 96.7% of our members see a big drop in their drinking after 90 days.

Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended as medical advice, and the views of the guests may not represent the views of Sunnyside. If you’re concerned about your health or alcohol use, please consider seeking advice from a doctor.

After four decades of drinking, Charlie didn’t think he’d ever stop—until a health scare changed everything. At 71, he turned to Sunnyside as a way to start exploring a new path. Just two weeks in, he decided to quit entirely. One year later, Charlie is not only alcohol-free—he’s thriving. In this episode, he shares what finally made it click, why Sunnyside’s support still matters even after quitting, and what he’s learned about change, identity, and living with clarity.

Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://ctbk.co/4doo5dq for a free 15-day trial.
--
Listen to Journey to the Sunnyside Podcast: https://bit.ly/4bxCqT3
Subscribe to Sunnyside’s YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3zuoID4

RELATED ARTICLES FROM THE SUNNYSIDE BLOG:

ABOUT SUNNYSIDE: Sunnyside is the #1 alcohol moderation app that helps you drink less without any shame, guilt, or pressure to quit. Optimize your alcohol habits to achieve benefits like sleeping better, losing weight, feeling more energy, and saving money. We know that an all-or-nothing approach doesn’t work for everyone, so we focus on helping you set your own goals, celebrate small wins, and build a lasting system of accountability. As a result, 96.7% of our members see a big drop in their drinking after 90 days.

Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended as medical advice, and the views of the guests may not represent the views of Sunnyside. If you’re concerned about your health or alcohol use, please consider seeking advice from a doctor.

You already know drinking less can help you sleep better and feel more energized—but there’s so much more beneath the surface. In this solo episode, Mike shares five surprising benefits of cutting back that most people don’t realize until they experience them. These aren’t the typical talking points. They’re the deeper shifts—the ones that make you feel more present, more aligned, and more like yourself again. Whether you’re just starting to take a break or you've been rethinking your habits for a while, this episode will help you connect the dots between drinking less and actually living better. And chances are, at least one of these will hit home in a way you didn’t expect.

Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://ctbk.co/4doo5dq for a free 15-day trial.
--
Listen to Journey to the Sunnyside Podcast: https://bit.ly/4bxCqT3
Subscribe to Sunnyside’s YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3zuoID4

RELATED ARTICLES FROM THE SUNNYSIDE BLOG:

ABOUT SUNNYSIDE: Sunnyside is the #1 alcohol moderation app that helps you drink less without any shame, guilt, or pressure to quit. Optimize your alcohol habits to achieve benefits like sleeping better, losing weight, feeling more energy, and saving money. We know that an all-or-nothing approach doesn’t work for everyone, so we focus on helping you set your own goals, celebrate small wins, and build a lasting system of accountability. As a result, 96.7% of our members see a big drop in their drinking after 90 days.

Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended as medical advice, and the views of the guests may not represent the views of Sunnyside. If you’re concerned about your health or alcohol use, please consider seeking advice from a doctor.

Jordan Carroll never hit a rock bottom—but alcohol was quietly holding him back. In this episode, the Remote Job Coach and global entrepreneur opens up about life in the “grey area,” where drinking wasn’t a daily habit but still left damage he couldn’t ignore.

We talk about what led him to take a full year off alcohol (and why he thinks everyone should), how quitting helped him confront deeper compulsions, and how he rebuilt his identity from the inside out. Jordan shares tools he used to break habits, reframe identity, and create a life filled with clarity, creativity, and connection—without ever pushing an all-or-nothing mindset.

If you’re questioning your relationship with alcohol—or just ready to feel more like yourself—this episode offers insight, honesty, and a ton of practical takeaways.

Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://ctbk.co/4doo5dq for a free 15-day trial.
--
Listen to Journey to the Sunnyside Podcast: https://bit.ly/4bxCqT3
Subscribe to Sunnyside’s YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3zuoID4

RELATED ARTICLES FROM THE SUNNYSIDE BLOG:

ABOUT SUNNYSIDE: Sunnyside is the #1 alcohol moderation app that helps you drink less without any shame, guilt, or pressure to quit. Optimize your alcohol habits to achieve benefits like sleeping better, losing weight, feeling more energy, and saving money. We know that an all-or-nothing approach doesn’t work for everyone, so we focus on helping you set your own goals, celebrate small wins, and build a lasting system of accountability. As a result, 96.7% of our members see a big drop in their drinking after 90 days.

Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended as medical advice, and the views of the guests may not represent the views of Sunnyside. If you’re concerned about your health or alcohol use, please consider seeking advice from a doctor.

Summer is here, and with it, the familiar pressure to drink. In this episode of Journey to the Sunnyside, Mike shares a strategic approach to mindful drinking that helps you stay in control, set clear boundaries, and enjoy the season on your terms. Whether you’re trying Dry July or simply want to make intentional choices at summer BBQs and beach trips, Mike walks you through how to identify your pressure points, plan your responses, and track your progress throughout the summer. Tune in for practical, actionable strategies that will help you create a summer experience that’s clear, present, and free from guilt.

Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://ctbk.co/4doo5dq for a free 15-day trial.
--
Listen to Journey to the Sunnyside Podcast: https://bit.ly/4bxCqT3
Subscribe to Sunnyside’s YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3zuoID4

RELATED ARTICLES FROM THE SUNNYSIDE BLOG:

ABOUT SUNNYSIDE: Sunnyside is the #1 alcohol moderation app that helps you drink less without any shame, guilt, or pressure to quit. Optimize your alcohol habits to achieve benefits like sleeping better, losing weight, feeling more energy, and saving money. We know that an all-or-nothing approach doesn’t work for everyone, so we focus on helping you set your own goals, celebrate small wins, and build a lasting system of accountability. As a result, 96.7% of our members see a big drop in their drinking after 90 days.

Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended as medical advice, and the views of the guests may not represent the views of Sunnyside. If you’re concerned about your health or alcohol use, please consider seeking advice from a doctor.

Today’s episode is a little different — but it hits right at the heart of what this show is all about: small steps, no pressure, and building a life you actually feel good in. I'm talking with Bryan Driscoll, author of the goodness game! At 18, Bryan was on the verge of being homeless — until a stranger pulled over and offered him food and shelter. He’s created a movement around a simple framework to help people find their own way to give, to connect, and to feel better doing it. This lines up with so much of what we believe here: You don’t need to make some big dramatic change to reset your life. Let’s get into it.

Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://ctbk.co/4doo5dq for a free 15-day trial.
--
Listen to Journey to the Sunnyside Podcast: https://bit.ly/4bxCqT3
Subscribe to Sunnyside’s YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3zuoID4

RELATED ARTICLES FROM THE SUNNYSIDE BLOG:

ABOUT SUNNYSIDE: Sunnyside is the #1 alcohol moderation app that helps you drink less without any shame, guilt, or pressure to quit. Optimize your alcohol habits to achieve benefits like sleeping better, losing weight, feeling more energy, and saving money. We know that an all-or-nothing approach doesn’t work for everyone, so we focus on helping you set your own goals, celebrate small wins, and build a lasting system of accountability. As a result, 96.7% of our members see a big drop in their drinking after 90 days.

Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended as medical advice, and the views of the guests may not represent the views of Sunnyside. If you’re concerned about your health or alcohol use, please consider seeking advice from a doctor.

If you’ve ever wondered what life might feel like without alcohol—even just for a while—this episode is for you. I’m breaking down why taking 90 days off can be one of the most powerful resets you can give your brain and body. I’ll share what actually happens during each phase, why 30 days often isn’t enough to create lasting change, and how to set yourself up to succeed (without needing to be perfect). You don’t have to label it. You don’t have to commit forever. But if you’re curious, this is one of the best experiments you can run.

Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://ctbk.co/4doo5dq for a free 15-day trial.
--
Listen to Journey to the Sunnyside Podcast: https://bit.ly/4bxCqT3
Subscribe to Sunnyside’s YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3zuoID4

RELATED ARTICLES FROM THE SUNNYSIDE BLOG:

ABOUT SUNNYSIDE: Sunnyside is the #1 alcohol moderation app that helps you drink less without any shame, guilt, or pressure to quit. Optimize your alcohol habits to achieve benefits like sleeping better, losing weight, feeling more energy, and saving money. We know that an all-or-nothing approach doesn’t work for everyone, so we focus on helping you set your own goals, celebrate small wins, and build a lasting system of accountability. As a result, 96.7% of our members see a big drop in their drinking after 90 days.

Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended as medical advice, and the views of the guests may not represent the views of Sunnyside. If you’re concerned about your health or alcohol use, please consider seeking advice from a doctor.

Heather Lowe, founder of Ditched the Drink, joins us to unpack a quiet truth: many high-achieving women are rethinking their relationship with alcohol—not because they’ve hit rock bottom, but because they’re ready for something more. In this episode, Heather shares her own story of success, stress, and self-discovery, and the mindset shifts that helped her walk away from drinking without shame or labels. Whether you're sober-curious, cutting back, or just wondering if there's another way—this conversation is full of support, strategy, and hope.

Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://ctbk.co/4doo5dq for a free 15-day trial.
--
Listen to Journey to the Sunnyside Podcast: https://bit.ly/4bxCqT3
Subscribe to Sunnyside’s YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3zuoID4

RELATED ARTICLES FROM THE SUNNYSIDE BLOG:

ABOUT SUNNYSIDE: Sunnyside is the #1 alcohol moderation app that helps you drink less without any shame, guilt, or pressure to quit. Optimize your alcohol habits to achieve benefits like sleeping better, losing weight, feeling more energy, and saving money. We know that an all-or-nothing approach doesn’t work for everyone, so we focus on helping you set your own goals, celebrate small wins, and build a lasting system of accountability. As a result, 96.7% of our members see a big drop in their drinking after 90 days.

Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended as medical advice, and the views of the guests may not represent the views of Sunnyside. If you’re concerned about your health or alcohol use, please consider seeking advice from a doctor.

Most people don’t fail at changing their drinking because they’re weak — they fail because they’ve been given the wrong approach. In this episode, I share the mindset shift that changed everything for me. It’s not about labels, shame, or quitting forever. It’s about finding a path that’s actually sustainable — one that works with how real behavior change happens. You’ll hear how this plays out inside the Sunnyside experience, plus insights from leading experts like Dr. Jason Kilmer and Dr. Andrew Tatarsky on why this approach is helping more people feel better, faster. If other methods haven’t worked for you, this is where to start.

Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://ctbk.co/4doo5dq for a free 15-day trial.
--
Listen to Journey to the Sunnyside Podcast: https://bit.ly/4bxCqT3
Subscribe to Sunnyside’s YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3zuoID4

RELATED ARTICLES FROM THE SUNNYSIDE BLOG:

ABOUT SUNNYSIDE: Sunnyside is the #1 alcohol moderation app that helps you drink less without any shame, guilt, or pressure to quit. Optimize your alcohol habits to achieve benefits like sleeping better, losing weight, feeling more energy, and saving money. We know that an all-or-nothing approach doesn’t work for everyone, so we focus on helping you set your own goals, celebrate small wins, and build a lasting system of accountability. As a result, 96.7% of our members see a big drop in their drinking after 90 days.

Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended as medical advice, and the views of the guests may not represent the views of Sunnyside. If you’re concerned about your health or alcohol use, please consider seeking advice from a doctor.